1951From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 29 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 17 Dec You may do what you please with my letter of 20 Dec The Mr. Troop you mention is the gentleman I presume whose eloquent speeches I read in the vol of transactions of the convention for reforming the constitution. It would give me pleasure to peruse all your publications and to correspond with you on the subject of them but I can read nothing and...
1952From John Adams to John F. Watson, 21 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
In your favour of the 12th. you Say that you had believed, “that during the War of the Revolution, many Acts of the British had been exaggerated.” This may have happened; but I know not in what instances, on the contrary I know that one half their Cruelties and brutalities had not been told, or if told has not been believed. If you Suppose, that the British were influenced, by “any Motives of...
1953From John Adams to John T. Watson, 23 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, for you for your favour of the 12th. You advise me to write my own Life upon a very extensive plan. But you must give me a lease of another life of 82 Years, before I can undertake it. When I read the Lives of Doctor Benjamin Franklin and Governor Patrick Henry, my own appears, upon retrospection, a dull, dreary unfruitful Waste. I Should be ashamed to read it, though Written by a...
1954From John Adams to Daniel Webster, 23 December 1821 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your discourse, delivered at Plymouth on the termination of the second century of the landing of our forefathers. Unable to read it, from defect of sight, it was last night read to me, by our friend Shaw. The fullest justice that I could do it, would be to transcribe it a full length. It is the effort of a great mind, richly stored with every species of information. If there be...
1955From John Adams to Roger Chew Weightman, 22 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
Col House of U.S. Army now stationed at Fort Independence in my neighborhood, has favored me with a call, and communicated your very polite letter, desiring him to offer me a escort to Washington in order to celebrate with your approaching Fiftieth Anniversary of our National Independence I feel very gratefull for this mark of distinguishing and respectful attention on the part of the citizens...
1956From John Adams to Samuel Adams Wells, 19 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
I return you the papers relative to the Gaspee—I long to see them in print you ought to publish them in the first News paper they are among the most Significant Documents of the Revolution—I inclose you also a letter to the President—I wish I could see you every day—for a multitude of thoughts occour to me which I cannot write— I am Sir with Esteem and affection your friend my letter to your...
1957From John Adams to Samuel Adams Wells, 22 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have so many irons in the fire,—that every one of them burns—and none more than your favor of the 10th. I thank you for your Oration, I have heard it read, it is a succinct candid and manly compendium of the Revolution if you will furnish me with a Copy for Mr Jefferson, another for Mr Monroe, and another for Mr Madison—I will transmit them to those Gentlemen as from myself—and I pray you to...
1958From John Adams to Samuel Adams Wells, 6 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
your letter of July 23d. is as yet unanswered, I thank you for the communications. I now return you, your Grandfathers letter to J. S.—which I long to see in print, it is a masterly sumeary of the reasonings of the Whigs at the time it was written and worthy of the pen of your Grandfather, his hand writing, is as familiar to me as my own I have sent your Oration, to Mr Jefferson Madison and...
1959From John Adams to Samuel Adams Wells, 7 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. has distressed me—It will compel me to disclose truths which will be disagreeable to you—and very unpleasant to me— Your ardour in support of the honour of your Grand Father—has my Cordial appropriation—we know where to find the precept—Honour thy Father, and Mother, and we know it has been approved by all Ages and Nations—Civil, and Savage, till french philosophers...
1960From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 22 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Question of the 11th of this Month which has been so long on its way, that I have received it but this moment, I have no hesitation in saying that at no period of our revolution, could any Man be his popularity what it might, could have persuaded the people of this Country or any considerable number of them to be governed by a King of their own, or even a President for Life,...
1961From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 30 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
I know not what my Friend Mr Jay can mean, unless it be a Series of Letters Printed in the Boston Patriot beginning on the 10th. of April 1809 and continued for too or three Years. No Notice of them was taken of them, at the time but by now and then a thrust and Stab from the Tory Press. I have not a Copy of them. If I had I would send it to Mr Jay—Some Antequarian an hundred Years hence, who...
1962From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 23 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Bill—you will please to purchase me Dugal’s Philosophy of the Human Mind—By what I know of Mr L Shaw and have heard of him, I should not wonder, if he were the Author of the Review of Judge Story’s Charge & Mr King’s Speeches—The American, I hear is coming out in the Richmond Enquirer like a valiant Hero in open justification of Negrow Slavery— if all the States Southward of...
1963From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 9 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
You are it seems requested to enquire of me 1. Whether there was ever any “Coolness” between President Washington and me? 2. Whether, there was any difference in Opinion between Us, on public Affairs? You have not informed me who the inquisitive Person is, or whether his motives are benevolent, or malicious; but as all these points are indifferent to me, I have no reluctance to answer 1. There...
1964From John Adams to Henry Wheaton, 7 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
My best thanks are due to you, for your Anniversary discourse before the historical society in New York on the 25th. of December—I have read this discourse with uncommon interest, and peculiar delight—It is the production of great reading, profound reflection, a discriminating mind, and a pure taste.—I have never read any discourse produced in America relative to the science of public Law,...
1965From John Adams to Joseph Wheaton, 7 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have not Sooner answered your Letter of the 11th of July because I really knew not what to say to it.— You and I have grievances: but I have no better Advice to give you or myself, than my Friend Otis gave to Molineux, “to put the List in our Pocketts, least the World should laugh at us”— The History of Your Life written by yourself would be as curious and for what I know, as instructive as...
1966From John Adams to William White, 13 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
As Charity is the bond of perfection—I think it very desirable that great and good Men should have opportunities to see one another—however different their Opinions in Religion or Philosophy may be—. upon this principle I presume, thought I confess without much Authority to introduce to your acquaintance the Reverend Mr Andrews Norton-Dexter Professor of Biblical Criticism in our University at...
1967From John Adams to Henry Whiting, 16 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your letter, I remember that the time referred to in the Journal, I moved a few resolutions for the Institution of a Military School or Academy for the instruction of the young Gentlemen in the Military, science and practice. These resolutions were adopted by Congress and a Committee appointed to carry them into execution. A committee was appointed of which I was one; but, it was...
1968From John Adams to Z. G. Whitman, 2 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
My best thanks are due to you for your historical sketch of the Ancient & honorable artillery company. I have enjoyed its festivities almost from my cradle and held it always in high veneration. I am too nearly blind to read it myself and have not yet had time & opportunity to hear it read by a friend. Enough has been shown to me to perceive its ample details and to convince me that it is well...
1969From John Adams to John Whitney, 7 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 3d Instant, written on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, for the approaching celebration of our National Independence; inviting me to dine, on the fourth of July next, with the Citizens of Quincy, at the Town-Hall, has been received with the kindest emotions. The very respectful language with which the wishes of my Fellow Townsmen have been conveyed to me, by your...
1970From John Adams to Peter Whitney, 2 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, now called Quincy, in the year 1767, in the white house, near the foot of Penn’s Hill, which you sir, once inhabited. I had been attending Plymouth Court the whole week under the greatest anxiety. Returning on Saturday afternoon from Plymouth, I met Dr. Tufts on Hingham Plain between Dr. Shute’s house and Mr. Cushing’s tavern, who informed me that I had...
1971From John Adams to Wiley & Halstead, 30 July 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved a letter under this signature dated 22 July 1821 but it must surely be a supposition for the genuine master of the trident which is the sceptre of the ocean never indulged himself in so much flattery nevertheless the institution he recommends has my most cordial approbation. Every institution calculated to alleviate the sufferings & promote the comforts of that brave, generous...
1972From John Adams to Emma Willard, 11 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
Accept my thanks for your obliging letter of the 25 of last month which I received but yesterday—the Book you mention is not yet arrived—I should be much pleased to see Mr Southwicks address, as I am a friend to every effort to improve the knowledge Virtue and happiness of our laborious Youth— I do not complain, Miss Willard, of the ingratitude of any party because I always endeavoured to be...
1973From John Adams to Emma Willard, 16 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have received Mr Southwicks address to the Apprentice of Albany and have read it three times over after the first reading I said there is no need of addition, subtraction, correction or alteration; a generation of apprentices educated in Mr Southwicks principles and formed upon his model would redeem a nation on the brink of destruction. After the third reading I found nothing worth...
1974From John Adams to Emma Willard, 8 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am deeply indebted to you for your polite and obliging letter— and much more for the elegant, Sentimental; and most Amiable Volume that accompanied it—The Female Moiety of Mankind, deserved as much honour Esteem, and Respect, as the Male. The duties of Allegiance and Obedience, are reciprocal in a family; as well as in the State—and similar limitations, and Restrictions are applicable to...
1975From John Adams to John Williams, 30 April 1822 (Adams Papers)
I pray you to accept my kind thanks for sending me the Mecklenberg declaration of Independence. Although these papers have been familiar to me for two or three years past, they are still an incomprehensible mystery. I can scarcely conceive it possible, that such a transaction should have been concealed, for so many years, from the publick. Had those resolutions been published at the time, they...
1976From John Adams to Nathaniel F. Williams, 29 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of May 21st: You request a copy of President Washington’s letter to me concerning my Son It is not in my power to oblige you, that letter and all others I have long since packed up and stored away in trunks and given away, so that they are no longer my property nor in my possession. Stung by some provocations in the agony of my heart I did, some twelve or fourteen...
1977From John Adams to William Willis, 10 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your Sympathy in my Sorrows, and Condolence in my grief—are soothing to my afflicted Bosom—Sixty years of pure friendship; fifty -four of which, were passed in the Sacred State of Wedlock; are ties that can never be dissolved, and obligations that never can be forgotten, but this is a Subject that I cannot dwell upon— How my Letter of the 21st of Feby.—may appear in print publick I know...
1978From John Adams to William Willis, 21 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your address to the New Bedford Auxilliary Society for the suppression of Intemperance which I have read with pleasure and edification it abounds in ingenuity and information it is eloquent and pathetic it is pious and virtuous it addresses itself to the understanding & the heart. A drunkard is the most selfish being in the universe he has no sense of modesty shame or disgrace...
1979From John Adams to William Willis, 4 April 1820 (Adams Papers)
your appointment to a Consulate in Spain was a full proof that you was then Esteemed to be a Gentlemen of Intelligence Integrety, information and Ingenuity, and I have never seen any reason to alter that opinion of your Character from that time to this I was very much pleased with your address before the society for preventing intemperance in New Bedford— I have renounced all interference in...
1980From John Adams to William Wirt, 5 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your Sketches of the life of Mr Henry have given me a rich Entertainment. I will not compare them to the Sybil conducting Eneas to the Regions below to see the Ghosts of departed Sages and Heroes: but to an Angel convoying me to the abodes of the blessed on high to converse with the Spirits of just Men made perfect. The Names of Henry, Lee, Bland Pendleton Washington Rutledge Wythe Dickenson...
1981From John Adams to William Wirt, 23 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind letter of the 12th of this Month. As I esteem the Character of Mr Henry an honour to our Country and your Volume a masterly deliniation of it, I gave orders to purchase it as soon as I heard of it: but was told it was not to be had in Boston. I have seen it only by great favour on loan, a Copy from the Author would be esteemed worth many by purchase. It may be sent me...
1982From John Adams to William Wirt, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
Be pleased to accept my cordial Thanks for the present of and elegant Copy of your Sketches of Mr Henry. I know not whether I shall ever have time to make you any other return than Thanks. But as I see you wish to investigate the Sources of the American Revolution, if you will give me leave, I will give you Such hereto as my memory affords to assist you. In 1764 was published in Boston a...
1983From John Adams to William Wirt, 18 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
Accept a Morsell of ancient Massachusetts Letterature: and will you be pleased to compare it with Mr Henry’s Argument against the Parsons. It was preached and printed in 1749–50 and reprinted in England. It made a great Noise in New England and in old. Pray Sir will you do me the favour to point out the Errors and faults in it. Be assured you will very much oblige your real Well Wisher CSmH .
1984From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
With real pleasure I received your kind letter of July 28th. though I received it but a few days ago. I thank you for introduceing to me Major Wolcott Huntington —whose appearance and manners do honor to both his names— I rejoice to hear that you enjoy so good health and I wish, that your Life may be prolonged for the Government of Connecticut as long as mine has been; which has been extended...
1985From John Adams to Levi Woodbury, 9 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I am greatly obliged to you for your letter of August 6th. And also for the pamphlet enclosed with it and most of all for your message to the legislature the kind expressions of your personal esteem and regard are very flattering to me. The subject of the pamphlet is too nearly interesting to my personal feelings for me to make any comments upon it: but I will say it is the most spirited and...
1986From John Adams to Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 17 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
The formidable invasion of my ninetieth year must be my apology for neglecting, and so improperly, your valuable and worthy present of “A System of Universal Science”; but the loss of my sight prevents my making the use of it I wish. It is a work of great labour and research, and must be useful to those who wish to inquire into that subject. I also thank you for the newspapers you sent me. I...
1987From John Adams to William Wood, 6 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 2d of this Mongth, and for the Catalogue for the apprentices’ Library—I am highly gratified to see that it already amounts to so respectable a number—as I do not see in the list a Naval History of the United States—I take the Liberty to send you a Copy of that Work—which is at once a Monument to the Glory of our Naval Heroes and a proof of the inattention of...
1988From John Adams to Joseph E. Worcester, 17 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have received the honour of your letter of the 5th. together with your Elements of Geography, Ancient and Modern, with an Atlas, and an Epitome of Modern Geography with Maps for the use of Common Schools—for these valuable presents, I pray you to accept my best thanks—It always gives me pleasure to see attempts and endeavours to promote in America the means, and Instruments of Education for...
1989From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 31 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am honored this Morning with your favour of the 23d.—That Dr. Frankline while in England corresponded with Mr. Dumas, I very well know from an intimate acquaintance with both of them; that he reccommended a Dutch loan before he left England is improbable because at that time there was no Government or body of Men or individual in America to whom the loan could be named. When Dr. Frankline...
1990From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 1 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me honor to write me on the 24th. December. And I pray you to accept my thanks for the kind expressions and benevolent sentiments of it,—The Greeks I believe have been alternately excited and encouraged in their resistance to the Turks by Russia, Austria England and France for a course of years past, and now I fear they are to be abandoned to their fate by...
1991From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 13 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received this Morning from the Post Office by an unknown hand a slip of an Albany newspaper containing your letter to Dr Vander Kemp I highly esteem the candid impartial & honorable spirit of it, I cannot dictate the remarks that occur to me upon the subject at present—but shall confine myself to one observation—It is most true that I did love and venerate the character of the Dutch—And...
1992From John Adams, 30 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
This Book, of more value than a gold Watch Sett with diamonds is presented to John Adams by his Grandfather MQA .
1993Conversations with John Adams Reported by Harriet Welsh, 27 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
The friendship of M Hawley is among the sweetest recollections of my life I first met him at the trial of the negro at Springfield from that day to his death we were friends he would not do anything in the House of R—without consulting me—he would not act upon the committe to answer Hutchinson respecting the Parliamentary authority over us unless I were present & that answer prevail’d was...
1994Toast to John Adams, 4 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
John Adams being invited to attend a celebration of the late anniversary, declined what it would have been the “joy of his heart” to have done, on account of his advanced age and increased infirmities of body. When his note was read to the company, the following toast was given— “ John Adams . Eternity yet lingers, withholding its bright rewards, till Time shall complete his earthly joy in the...
1995July Fourth Toast by John Adams, 30 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
From Diary of George Whitney: “Spent a few minutes with him in conversation, and took from him a toast, to be presented on the Fourth of July as coming from him. I should have liked a longer one; but as it is, this will be acceptable. ‘I will give you,’ said he, ‘Independence forever!’” He was asked if he would not add any thing to it, and he replied, “not a word.” Printed Source--The Works of...
1996John Adams, Inventory of Estate, 5 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Norfolk, ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to Daniel Greenleaf Esquire, Josiah Bass, Gentleman, and Josiah Adams, Yeoman, all of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk Greeting. Whereas , at a Court of Probate, held at Dedham, in and for the said County of Norfolk, on the first Tuesday of August, A. D. 1826. John Quincy Adams and Josiah Quincy both of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, Doctors of...
1997From John Adams, 26 August 1817 (Adams Papers)
Dinner to Mr. Adams.—On the 26th ult. a public dinner was given to Mr Adams, by the citizens of Boston, at which most of the distinghed men of both political parties were present, among the number was the honorable John Adams, the second president of the United States, who gave the following volunteer toast : By the Honorable John Adams.—The Temple of Liberty, and the Temple of Concord—in...
1998Inscription on the tomb of Henry Adams, March 1822 (Adams Papers)
In memory of Henry Adams who took his flight from the dragon persecution in Devonshire in England and alighted with eight sons near Mount Wollaston. One of the sons returned to England & after taking time to explore the Country four removed to Medfield & the neighboring towns—two to Chelmsford a . One only Joseph, who lies here at his left hand remained here, who was an original proprietor in...
1999John Adams and other members of the Electoral College of Massachusetts, 5 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the Electors of President and Vice President of the United States, holden agreeably to Law at the State House in Boston, in the fifth day, of D being the first Tuesday of December in the year of our Lord 1820, at four o’clock in the afternoon, the following persons appeared, and produced certificates of their appointment under the seal of the Commonwealth, namely The Hon. John...